Crime and Punishment (Penguin Classics)

I know a lot of future Dostoevsky readers are occupied with deciding the best translation to pick up for each novel, especially with so many translations out there, with this classic in particular. And so I wanted to add a knowledgeable opinion and note on McDuff's translation (based on the fact I am Russian). One point would be on faithfulness (of translation) and the other being readability. 1. Faithfulness: McDuff, as usual with his Dostoevsky translations, is able to convey to the English reader a fine sum of elements found in original Russian work with his translation. Not only does McDuff go the length in his attempts to never omit any bits of information (as in literal words or conveyed meanings), he also attempts to not alter or change information by the act of translation. Of course, this is done in a practical manner; that is to say, it is not an exact word by word literal translation, as no literary translation should be (we want to get a grasp of the story, not the functioning of the original language). With that being said, he doesn't do so perfectly, but he does do so better than most in my personal opinion, which is what this review is all about. In doing so, McDuff is able to convey the source material to a sufficient degree, while also keeping the translation a readable and English one. Thus, McDuff gives English readers the mannerisms and quirks of the Russian language through the English language, and with it, distinctive and defining qualities of the culture and author which make up this work of fiction. 2. Readability: Firstly, McDuff's philosophy of translation (as noted above) leads people to consider translations such as McDuff's as sometimes difficult to read, which I personally find to be strange. Not that I'm questioning the experiences of people who say so, it is more so that if you pick up a Russian novel (whether it's a translation or not), it would seem to me that you are open to experience, well, a Russian novel, and not an English one, be it difficult as it may. Russian is a strange language compared to English, not only strange through translation, but it is fundamentally different not only in syntax, but manner, content, and tone. If one rather just consume the overall "meaning" and story of the novel, while avoiding the "Russianees" of the novel, and with it, some of its literary significance, then perhaps other translations are a better fit, but I personally believe this to be a perversion of the medium of literature. Secondly, the McDuff translation is chiefly British, and somewhat highbrow in my opinion. In that sense, the translation has relative personal degrees of readability that should be taken into consideration. Being a non native English speaker, especially not British English, I had some difficulties at times reading this, but this meant just having to stop to check certain definitions at times, nothing major. Overall, I enjoyed and appreciate McDuff's translation, and for anyone who is particularly bogged down with finding the "best" translation, I would rank this, as well as the Katz translation, as two highly respectable options. Happy reading!

Really enjoyed this book. I liked the translation and found it more readable than other Dostoyevsky translations. The explanatory notes were also very helpful

Classic, well translated

Dostoevsky is a literary genius. I’ve never been one to stayed entertained with longer books, but this one kept me on my toes. It’s easy to say all the suspense kept me intrigued throughout the story. My only concern is that the red decal on the cover does scratch off insanely easily. My suggestion would be to seal it if possible. But other than that, it’s a great purchase

Product Quality: My new copy came in close to Excellent, not perfect. There were about 4 or 5 visible marks, the ink quality was perfect, and thin pages that are expected of penguin classics. Not a perfectly new copy but what is ought to be valued is the story inside. Translatition and Notes Review: Since I started and finished reading this version as a high school freshman, this translation is excellent and my preferred and recommended one. The notes are outstanding with accurate and intriguing details about references in the book. Story Review: This book is the Bible of fiction/historical fiction after The Iliad, a masterpiece that is commonly valued by the giants of fiction literature. Spoiler: It is a slow paced masterpiece that describes a man (Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov) that has killed humans and has to live with it. After I read this book, I never saw the world the same. Dostoyevsky’s literary figures are so incredible that metaphors are sometimes stretched across multiple pages. The first book that made me really sense and imagine things with Fyodor’s precise descriptions. Parts like the end of the third part made me shiver and have anxiety and others had me at the edge of my seat. This literary document has gone the deepest into thematic material than any other and deserves a perfect 10/10 as my favorite book of all time.

Book came in good condition, and the book is amazing. Although, books such as these aren’t for the faint of heart, they’re very philosophically motivated, but on the other hand, can be real page turners.

I love all of Dostoyevsky's books, and this will always be one of my favourites!

Excellent book. Very dense and introspective story that leads you through the journey of a troubled man.

Me gustó el guión de la novela. Es un clásico que merece ser leído.

Love it!

O livro chegou no prazo e sem danos.

The current Ukrainian conflict has brought into focus how differently many Russians seem to view the world, so it felt timely to read this classic novel and compare it to works by contemporary British novelists such as Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell. In the same way that Putin, although constantly dealing in falsehoods, appears disinterested in Soviet-style depictions of utopian Russian society, so Dostoyevsky seems content to portray a dysfunctional and bleak St. Petersburg whilst evidently still convinced of the perceived evils of Western liberalism. I suppose the point is that, like Dickens, he was predominantly writing to entertain a domestic audience. The book does refer to topical philosophical and political debates but the author only subtly alludes to his own views (most notably concerning morality and the merits of religious faith). I don't think I've ever read a novel before that's so heavily comprised of dialogue; indeed many chapters are essentially a conversation between two (and sometimes a larger group) of characters. The scenes Dostoyevsky creates are consistently vivid and the exchanges credible: this is due to the skill not only of the author but also the translator. Occasionally you come across words, such as drinking-den, which you suspect sound much more evocative in Russian, but generally the English text flows well. Although there is a fair degree of plot overall, there are stretches in the book where not much is actually happening, providing an interesting contrast to Dickens. The fact that the latter tended to publish in weekly instalments, whereas Dostoyevsky apparently published each of 6 parts in one go, may go some way towards explaining this clear difference in styles. The book is not difficult to read, but I confess that the complexity of the names (and interchangeability of familiar and formal forms) drove me to the internet a few times to check I wasn't confusing different characters. The most unsatisfying part of the novel is its short epilogue ending, when the main protagonist undergoes a sudden shift in attitude that's hard to find entirely plausible. But I won't say any more about the plot, except to say that the main concept suggested by the title is masterful and wonderfully sustained. Finally a plea to publishing houses. Why they persist in putting pretentious essays that give away the entire plot as the introduction to classic literature is beyond me. Hopefully, like me, you will enjoy the book first and, if you can be bothered, scan through the scholarly opinions afterwards.

Increíble hostoria, muy bien escrita. El material físicamente del que esta hecho es excelente